merica, breeding in the interior of Canada and wintering
south from the Gulf States.

Small web between the bases of the two outer toes. Single broad, black
band across the breast; black line from base of bill to eye. They are
very abundant on our seacoast in Fall, both in flocks composed entirely
of their own kind, and also with Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers. They
usually keep on the inner side of sandbars or muddy flats bordering
marshes, rather than on the open ocean beach. It is also found in
smaller flocks, about ponds and marshes in the interior of the country.
They are usually unsuspicious and will allow a close approach, or if you
are still, will run by within a very few feet. Nest on the ground; eggs
buffy, sparsely specked with black, 1.30 x .90; June.

[Illustration 167: Grayish buff.]
[Illustration: Kildeer. Semi-palmated Plover.]
[Illustration: Buff.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]

Page 166

275. RING PLOVER. _AEgialitis hiaticula._

Range.--A European bird that breeds abundantly in Greenland. It nests in
great numbers on the banks of streams and in fields, laying its eggs in
hollows on the ground, generally without any lining. Their three or four
eggs are practically not distinguishable from those of the Semipalmated
Plover, but larger; size, 1.40 x 1.00. The bird, too, is similar, but
the toes are not palmated, and the black breast band is wider.

276. LITTLE RINGED PLOVER. _AEgialitis dubia._

An Old World species, accidentally occurring on the Pacific coast. Like
the last species, but smaller. The eggs, too, are smaller; size 1.20 x
.85.

277. PIPING PLOVER. _AEgialitis meloda._

Range.--Eastern North America, chiefly along the Atlantic coast,
breeding from the Carolinas north to Newfoundland.

A handsome little bird, with a black crescent on each side of neck, a
small black patch on top of the head, and without any black on the lores
or ear coverts. It is the lightest colored of any of the eastern
Plovers. Length, 7 inches. Young, similar, but the black replaced by
grayish, as is the case with the last species. This species, apparently,
never could be classed as abundant and of late years, it is becoming
rather rare along our Atlantic coast; this is probably more due to the
building of summer resorts and homes along their former breeding grounds
than to hunters. They are rather more shy than the last species, but
will usually attempt to escape by running along the beach or b